Farmall H - on and off starting

ChampagneNBeer · Jul 24, 2020

Hi All,

Farmall H is being goofy.

Pull starts like a champ, and will start if
pour a little oil/gas in cylinder but
otherwise, it sometimes starts and
sometimes doesn't - when doesn't start it
cranks and puffs just a hair.

Good spark, good plugs, points good, carb
clean, good suction, timing on...

Any thoughts?

FBH44 · Jul 24, 2020

My H did that, needed a new distributor cap and rotor. Old center electrode did not make contact. All fixed!

used red MN · Jul 24, 2020

On 6 or 12 volts?

ChampagneNBeer · Jul 24, 2020

Just did plugs today - could be a weak start issue.

Spark looks good but cheap enough to try.

ChampagneNBeer · Jul 24, 2020

David G · Jul 24, 2020

Low voltage to coil during cranking.

DR. EVIL · Jul 25, 2020

Surprised somebody hasn't suggested to clean the battery connections, and the power and ground connections on the starter and starter shotgun switch. And while your there, any other electrical connection that looks questionable.
The 6V verses 12V debate is something we argue here every couple months. Some say their 6V tractors start fine if everything is perfect. Both my FARMALLS are 12V alternators, they start fine too. The '51 M was Dad's, built December 7th '51 according to Farmall's records, was delivered to him December 24th, Dad needed to grind cattle feed December 25th, and his brand new M wouldn't start, granted it was below Zero temps. His '47 M started. But now, with the live hydraulic & power steering both adding drag to turn over a cold engine, it wouldn't start very well on 6V. When it was still 6V any time it wasn't running during winter the block heater was plugged in. It was the loader tractor and it had to run to move snow.

fastfarmall · Jul 25, 2020

But the new M proabley had 20 weight oil in it !The 47 had 10W in it right?

caterpillar guy · Jul 25, 2020

If the cables have been changed and are those spindly little car cables that is your problem. You need a cable with the wire the diameter of your thumb or about 5/8 inch or more without the insulation on. The good soldered ends on for good connection. No the solder will not melt loose under normal starting. And of course everything on the in the connections bright and tight.

John M · Jul 25, 2020

Does it have a mag on it?

ChampagneNBeer · Jul 25, 2020

Yup, magneto.

rustred · Jul 25, 2020

with a magneto i hardly think battery or cables is the problem. any tractor with a magneto will start with a slow crank and 1/2 revolution. and the same with a hand crank. but yes 6 volt requires 2/0 cables for max cranking amps. depends on how you are starting it also. some tractors need the choke pulled out or on when starting. but some dont. my w'4's hardly take any choke. plus the tractor must be tuned to factory spec's for a good start. is it?

David G · Jul 25, 2020

I agree on no cranking too slow issue with mag, if it turns over the mag will fire. My H takes a very quick burp of choke and it is running. I have seen mag tractors on 12V not start as good due to the mag going out of impulse retard.

John M · Jul 25, 2020

Is the impulse tripping when youre trying to start it?

David G · Jul 25, 2020

My hunch too.

DR. EVIL · Jul 26, 2020

69 years ago, over 3 years before I was even born, I would have NO IDEA.

Farmall H - on and off starting

ChampagneNBeer

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FBH44

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used red MN

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ChampagneNBeer

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ChampagneNBeer

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David G

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DR. EVIL

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fastfarmall

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caterpillar guy

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John M

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ChampagneNBeer

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rustred

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David G

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John M

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David G

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DR. EVIL

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